healing environments in radiotherapy - Agnes van den Berg

Healing Environments in Radiotherapy Project Report
3. Healing Environments - Patient and Staff Perspectives .............................................................. 45
3.1 The need for a qualitative study ............................................................................................... 45
3.2 The patient perspective............................................................................................................... 46
Focus group methodology.............................................................................................. 47
Logistics................................................................................................................................. 47
3.3 Results - Focus groups ................................................................................................................. 48
General feelings and experiences ................................................................................. 49
Patient appreciation of current environment ............................................................ 51
Visions for the future - The target hospital ................................................................. 56
Visions for the future - The control hospital ............................................................... 59
3.4 Staff perspective............................................................................................................................. 60
Interview methodology.................................................................................................... 60
Findings................................................................................................................................. 61
The purpose of healing environments......................................................................... 61
Advantages and disadvantages..................................................................................... 61
Staff appreciation of current environment ................................................................. 61
Visions for the future - staff perspective....................................................................... 64
3.5 Conclusions of the comparative case study .......................................................................... 66
4. Recommendations................................................................................................................................. 68
4.1 Defining a mission for healing environments....................................................................... 68
4.2 A pleasant and efficient radiotherapy department............................................................. 69
4.3 Friendly atmosphere .................................................................................................................... 71
4.4 Supportive environment ............................................................................................................. 72
4.5 Natural versus artificial light....................................................................................................... 72
4.6 Reducing noise, providing music ............................................................................................. 73
4.7 Stimulating, comfortable waiting areas.................................................................................. 74
4.8 Reduce stress in treatment areas.............................................................................................. 76
4.9 Access to outdoor nature ........................................................................................................... 77
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